Team Vignette – Boston Bruins

Guest Author - Kevin Thorburn

The NHL’s Boston Bruins played their first game 1 December 1924 with a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Maroons. That victory set off what would be a hugely successful franchise with countless fanatics worldwide, but most beloved in the New England states. The Bruins were the first US based National Hockey League team.

Over their history they have won five Stanley Cup Championships: 1928-29; 1938-39; 1940-41; 1969-70; and 1971-72.

Boston has initiated a number of firsts over their history including Lionel Hitchman’s number being retired in 1934; the 1962 signing of the first American born player – Tom Williams from the Olympic gold medal winning 1960 United States team; and, most significant, the first black player to play in the NHL was Willie O’Ree in 1958.

The Bruins certainly have a rich and vibrant past and only hope that players such as Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, Glen Murray, Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard can help make the future bright as fans watch in anticipation for another championship.